birds connect seattle logo

When we think of birds, we often picture them in flight, singing from treetops, or gathering at feeders. But one of the most fascinating parts of a bird’s life often goes unnoticed: the nests they build.

From tiny hummingbird cups woven with spider silk to massive eagle nests built from heavy sticks, bird nests are some of nature’s most impressive examples of engineering. Each nest is carefully designed to meet the needs of the species that builds it, offering shelter, protection, and a safe place to raise the next generation.

Our newest exhibit, Nests, invites visitors to take a closer look at the incredible variety of bird nests and the stories they tell.

Test your nest knowledge by matching each nest to the bird species that built it, using clues like materials, shape, and construction style. Follow the step-by-step process of how a Bushtit creates its remarkable hanging nest, and spot a real crow nest just outside Birds Connect Seattle.

This self-guided exhibit invites visitors to explore the fascinating choices birds make when building their homes, and offers tips to help you recognize nests in the wild.

Nests is now on display as our current rotating exhibit at Birds Connect Seattle and is free to enjoy. Stop by during store hours to discover the ingenuity behind these incredible avian homes.

Learn more about our rotating museum space here.

Related Articles

Cats and Birds: Finding a Way Forward

Cats and Birds: Finding a Way Forward

We’re cat people, too. But as a conservation organization, we have a responsibility to consider how free-roaming cats affect wild birds. Explore what the research tells us about outdoor cats, wildlife, and the choices we can make to protect both.

read more
Scoop the Poop for Cleaner Water

Scoop the Poop for Cleaner Water

Pet waste is one factor that can contribute to nutrient run off, algal blooms, and declining aquatic habitat—and why picking up after your pets helps protect birds and local waterways.

read more